essentiALZ

Do you provide care for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

The Alzheimer’s Association® essentiALZ™ certification program is a convenient way for individuals to be recognized for learning quality dementia care practices.

The essentiALZ program combines select HealthCare Interactive® CARES® online dementia care training with Alzheimer’s Association® online certification exams. The essentiALZ program was developed to recognize the knowledge of any caregiver who fulfills the certification requirements, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid for their care of people with dementia.

Both family members and professional care providers can benefit from this program.

Grant-funded programs and opportunities in Illinois

The Alzheimer's Association international grant program supports professionals at every stage and include categories designed to address gaps in Alzheimer’s and dementia research efforts. View and apply for a grant through the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dementia Care Navigation

Dementia Care Navigation programs encourage and improve coordinated care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, which is fragmented or absent in most settings — particularly in primary care. These programs have shown to improve health outcomes, reduce emergency room visits, lower hospital readmissions, shorten hospital stays, and reduce delays in long-term care placement.

By providing clinical and non-clinical support, dementia care navigation programs support people living with dementia and their caregivers to overcome barriers that compromise care and health outcomes. Learn about our Dementia Care Navigation Guiding Principles.

Training through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care ECHO® Program

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care ECHO Program connects multidisciplinary dementia care experts with community care providers in a free continuing education series of interactive, case-based video conferencing sessions.

Through each dementia care training program, professionals can build expertise and become leaders in high-quality, person-centered dementia care.

• Learn about training for health systems and medical professionals.
• Learn about training for professional care providers.

Continuing education (CE/CME/CNE)

The Illinois Chapter is committed to helping professionals improve their knowledge and skills, build stronger teams, and deliver better care to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, caregivers, and their families.

Programs and meetings are often attended by activity professionals, administrators, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and staff trainers. Discover continuing education opportunities.

Illinois Health Systems Directors

From assessment and diagnosis to care planning and follow-up, Alzheimer Association Health Systems Directors assist hospitals and clinicians with transforming their dementia care practices. To learn more about local resources, fill out our Health Systems Request form.

Public health information for Illinois

Effective public health interventions to address cognitive health are being implemented across the United States. Learn about public health action on dementia in Illinois, the impact of Alzheimer’s, and how governments and organizations are addressing the growing crisis.